TTC Ice vs. TTC Speed Silver
An in-depth look at the TTC Ice and the TTC Speed Silver switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, choosing the right one can significantly influence your typing and gaming experience. The TTC Ice and TTC Speed Silver are two popular linear switches that cater to different preferences and needs. The TTC Ice switch stands out for its stunning crystal-clear design and smooth, responsive feel, providing a satisfying bottom-out sound that enhances both gaming and everyday tasks. It's an excellent option for users who appreciate a premium typing experience. In contrast, the TTC Speed Silver is specially designed for those who prioritize speed and precision, boasting a light to medium resistance and a reduced travel distance for quick actuation. This makes it ideal for fast-paced gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. While both switches have their unique advantages, one focusing on an overall satisfying experience and the other honing in on quick actions, selecting the right one ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.60 mm
Pre-travel
1.08 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.40 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Box
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
24mm single-stage spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The TTC Ice and the TTC Speed Silver switches both feature a polycarbonate top housing, which inherently grants them similar acoustic characteristics. The use of polycarbonate, known for its rigidity, results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and notably crisper sound profile. This material's clarity contributes to a more resonant experience, particularly beneficial for users who favor RGB lighting setups, as the translucency of polycarbonate allows lights to shine through beautifully. Therefore, when it comes to the top housing, both switches deliver an exciting and vibrant auditory experience that enhances the overall typing feel and aesthetics.
In contrast, the bottom housings of these switches diverge significantly in material choice. The TTC Ice is equipped with a polycarbonate bottom housing, which, like its top counterpart, continues to foster that sharp sound profile, aiding in the production of a cohesive auditory experience. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver features a nylon bottom housing, a classic material that offers a deeper, fuller sound due to its softer composition. This softness contributes to a more muted and round sound profile, making for a softer typing experience as nylon absorbs sound and vibrations more effectively than harder plastics. As a result, while the top housing of both switches promotes clarity, the differing materials in the bottom housing lead to a distinct contrast in the overall sound and tactile feedback upon bottoming out.
Ultimately, the varied materials used in the bottom housing allow these two switches to provide unique sound dynamics, despite sharing the same polycarbonate top. The Ice will maintain a crisp consistency throughout its sound profile, while the Speed Silver will offer a fuller, more rounded experience. Users seeking a blend of these characteristics may find that presses on the Ice provide clarity, while the Speed Silver will cater to those desiring richness in sound. Hence, one could achieve a balanced typing experience by exploring switches with different housing materials, complementing the shared top housing qualities with individualized bottom housing effects.
Weight
When comparing the TTC Ice linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch, both have the same actuation force of 45 grams, meaning users will experience similar keystroke triggers for both switches. However, the bottom out forces differ, with the Ice exhibiting a slightly heavier bottom out force of 60 grams compared to the Speed Silver's lighter 55 grams. This means that while both switches offer a comparable typing experience in terms of how much force is needed to actuate each keystroke, the Ice requires slightly more force to fully depress the key. Consequently, the Speed Silver may be better suited for those who prefer a lighter touch, especially during extended typing sessions or gaming, while the Ice offers a firmer bottoming out experience, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel when typing.
Travel distance
The TTC Ice linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.4 mm. This means that pressing the Ice switch results in a longer travel motion compared to the Speed Silver, making it the more suitable choice for users who prefer a more pronounced keypress and deeper feedback. On the other hand, the Speed Silver with its shorter travel distance may appeal more to gamers or users seeking rapid response times, as the reduced travel allows for quicker actuation. In conclusion, if you prioritize a more responsive experience, the TTC Speed Silver is the better option due to its shorter travel distance, whereas the TTC Ice is ideal for those who enjoy a more substantial depth in their key presses.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The TTC Ice has an MSRP of $7.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Ice for $5.99.
The TTC Speed Silver has an MSRP of $6.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Speed Silver for $4.58.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the TTC Ice linear switch features a satisfying bottom-out sound that contributes to a premium typing experience. This sound quality can be attributed to its design, which allows for a pleasant auditory feedback when keys are actuated. On the other hand, the TTC Speed Silver linear switch has a neutral sound profile, characterized by a moderate level of sound that doesn't overpower the typing experience. This makes it versatile, suitable for both home and work environments, where you might want to maintain a low noise level while still enjoying an effective typing or gaming session. While the Ice offers a more pronounced auditory feedback, the Speed Silver keeps things subtle and adaptable to various situations.
When it comes to feel, the TTC Ice switch is known for its smooth and responsive action, providing a very enjoyable experience for both gamers and typists. This smoothness ensures that each keystroke feels reliable and confident, making it easier to type for long periods or execute rapid commands in gaming. In contrast, the Speed Silver switch is described as mild, which makes it approachable for users of all skill levels. It combines a light-medium resistance with a polished sensation, resulting in smooth operation and reduced friction. This polished finish enhances the typing experience, making for effortless key presses. Overall, while the Ice emphasizes responsiveness, the Speed Silver focuses on a refined yet gentle touch, appealing to a broader audience.
In conclusion, both the TTC Ice and TTC Speed Silver linear switches offer distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences. The Ice is ideal for those who appreciate a more pronounced auditory feedback and a smooth typing experience, while the Speed Silver appeals to users looking for a neutral sound profile and a mild, polished feel. Together, these switches demonstrate that mechanical keyboards can provide a range of experiences, allowing users to select what best fits their typing style, be it a more engaging and dynamic feel or a subdued, efficient one.
Conclusion
To conclude, the choice between the TTC Ice linear switch and the TTC Speed Silver linear switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intended usage. If you enjoy a typing experience that balances a smooth feel with a satisfying auditory response, the Ice switch's medium bottom-out force of 60 grams and its crystal-clear design make it a fantastic option for both gaming and everyday tasks. Its responsive nature adds an element of enjoyment to each keystroke, making it ideal if you’re looking for an immersive typing experience with a pleasing sound profile. On the other hand, if you prioritize speed and efficiency, the TTC Speed Silver switch, with its lighter bottom-out force of 55 grams and shorter travel distance, caters perfectly to those needs. This switch is designed for quick actuation, which is particularly beneficial for fast-paced gaming or typing scenarios where every millisecond counts. Its neutral sound and mild feel make it a versatile choice, suitable for both casual and professional environments. Ultimately, your decision should reflect how you plan to use your keyboard—whether you lean towards a more robust typing experience or a swift and precise touch.
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